Medical Issues/Recovery – The Laughing Wolf

A Bleg Of Sorts, Update 1

Back in July, I did a bleg post sharing a bit of what I was facing , and how your kind gifts to me through the Bard’s Jar in the upper right were being used. I think it’s time to update that as some of what was being talked about has changed.

I’ve had the physical therapy, and am still waiting to see what happens with the insurance appeal. An appeal was necessary as the insurance company approved the physical therapy, then decided for reasons they really did not make clear (but may have been paperwork issues) refused to pay for it. I technically could still be on the hook for about $5k, but am hoping that things are now resolved. We will see.

Other things I mentioned have taken place, and the net result has been a very large positive. My mobility and flexibility (and balance/vertigo issues) are much improved as a result of physical therapy, physical activity, and massage therapy. This is particularly true of my lower body, and while there is still a ways to go it is almost like night and day. It has also helped with the edema, and I am hoping to be able to take the water pill “at need” within six or so months. We are already down to every other day on it.

The cognitive is improving as well. The music therapy is really helping with that, and I thank both my voice coach and our music director at Church for their work and patience. My voice still keeps dropping (as opposed to extending my range upwards), but it makes for a great reading voice and the ability to sing low bass/profundo on some things. Why it is still dropping is a mystery, but there are worse things that could be happening.

There have been some other changes in life, and I am looking at some serious changes to my path. Most of those revolve around Faith. I am doing more at Church, and next year I will making a pilgrimage to Bulgaria and Mount Athos as part of a process of spiritual growth and discernment. Most of my time will be in Bulgaria where I have a chance not only to spend some time at a couple of monasteries; but, I will have the chance to learn, worship, and grow at the “home” of my Church. In addition, we are working on my spending several days at Mount Athos in Greece, and I may be spending a week in Romania as well. Not only has my Priest given his blessing and help to this, my Bishop is providing spiritual guidance as well.

So, here is what I need/where your gifts are going:

First, right now every non-designated donation that comes in is going towards the pilgrimage. I’ve bought my airfare and am working on paying it off. Where I can buy train or other tickets in advance for trips to Mount Athos and other locations, I am doing so. I will be arranging housing in Bulgaria soon, and am trying to get as much done and paid for in advance as I can. For long-term readers, you will not be surprised to learn I’ve been able to arrange some cooking lessons, mostly one day events, and I’m looking at trying to pay for them as far in advance as possible. I will also need a new cell phone (and plan) for the trip, as well as some other odds-and-ends. The total budget for the trip isn’t huge for most (excluding the new cell phone, I think it can be done for around $3k), but my small monthly stipend doesn’t allow me much room. Any and all help is appreciated.

Second, I am going to be coming up on the annual payments to keep this blog up soon. Any help towards that (and you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that) is very much appreciated.

Third, help with music and massage therapy is very much appreciated. Both are having a large positive impact on me, and again you can drop me a line and let me know if your gift is intended for that. Massage therapy is roughly $100 per session and I get four lessons for $190 from the voice coach. The latter is a small discount, but will take any discount I can get.

Fourth, efforts are underway to gift me a car. It’s far from new or pretty, but it runs and is reliable. Insurance and other costs were not in my yearly budgeting process, so again any help is appreciated.

Fifth, I would love to do some regular personal training at the gym if possible. Not sure what that will be, but it is a “nice to do” as it were.

I want to thank everyone who has sent me gifts, especially those towards the pilgrimage. I can’t thank you enough for your kindness and generosity. I also want to thank those who have kept me in their prayers, as those are very much needed and appreciated.

Life has not gone anywhere close to what I had planned when I first stated the fundraiser on Give Send Go. Rather than moving out West and becoming a bit of a secular hermit, I may be headed towards a more clerical or monastic life. Where that takes me, spiritually or physically, I don’t know other than I am content wherever it takes me. Been feeling that there was something I was supposed to do/be doing ever since I stood up alive after being hit by lightning. This very much feels like the right path, though I know not where it leads. I’m content to simply be walking the path, knowing that God knows where it leads.

Again, my profound and sincere thanks to all who have provided the gifts and prayers that have kept me going since those early days. Words can’t express my thanks, and how much I appreciate you. Thank you. I look forward to sharing this new journey with you.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders, Pt. 3

Following up on the original post and this post, I just did a quick mile ruck with an Osprey backpack (Aether 70) someone at Church has given me to try. It’s the same model I had tried out at the outfitters, though a different size frame and a few years old though unused.

To see how it did with some weight in it, I put a 20-pound barbell in the lower compartment, unsecured. About the worst place to put any weight; but, it was a quick way to test how much weight could get transferred to my shoulders. Especially since neither the hip belt or shoulder straps are fitted to me (yet).

I really like how the suspension system works, and know that if it were fitted to me it would be even better. The dealer can fit it to a person, even heat molding part of the hip belt system to give a custom fit. As it is, without any real adjustment to my frame, most of the weight (even when bouncing) stayed off my shoulders.

So, my next step is to see if the local outfitter will be willing to help me with this. If they are, first up will be making sure it is the right size frame for my body (person who bought it has a more slender frame) and that it can be adjusted to me. If it can, I’m likely to go with it for the trip. If not, I know what is needed and will work on getting it.

Onwards.

Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. If you want to know some of what it is going for, read here. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.

Apologies

Got several things I want to post, but didn’t post much yesterday and probably not today either. Long-term readers may remember I went to the ER a bit over a year ago with severe inflammation of parts of my digestive system. There really were only two major possible culprits, and for better or for worse we now know which one did it.

On Sunday, at our “Coffee Hour” after service (which is often a meal), someone insisted I try a bite of a dish that had been brought in. I did so. By the time I woke up Monday, the system was unhappy with me and I was trying everything I could to avoid going to the ER again. It made my last massage therapy appointment for a while interesting.

Turns out, I have issues with garbanzo beans and I am not alone. It is not a typical allergy (may be a Non-IgE issue), but a sensitivity to certain proteins, of which garbanzo beans are graced with an abundance. No real treatment, but the best thing to do is to avoid all legumes to prevent problems and to prevent the possibility of having this slide into a full allergy.

So, I’m trying to ensure any inflammation gets tamped down without needing to go the doctor. Too much going on this week. Besides, had a doc last year who suggested cutting out portions of my intestines and I’m not real keen on that idea yet. It may come to it, but I will hand that off to the Lord.

Take care, and more soon.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders Pt 2

I wanted to follow up on this post and thank everyone who offered suggestions and advice. I can’t thank you enough!

Yesterday afternoon, I spent a good bit of time at a locally-owned outfitter with a gentleman who went over current load-bearing technology and pack systems. It was a bit eye-opening, and the days of simple hip belts and such is long gone. I actually got to try on a system or two, and then work out the system and pack for my frame.

I’ve got more reading to do and I plan to go to a chain outfitter this week or next to try on another brand of pack (and verify the size I need). Bit more research, but well worth it and some of these newer pack systems truly rock. Also looking into new passport/ID holders, billfolds, and the like. I’ve been using an ID holder I picked up at Camp Victory, Iraq, as my wallet since 2007, and it is time for something new. So, looking at waterproof and RFID-blocking options, of which the outfitter yesterday had several.

Oh, I should mention that the Osprey packs several recommended have an option for an attachable day pack that could serve as my carry-on luggage as well.

Thank you all for the inputs, and for the introduction to the newer packs and systems. Much appreciated.

Backpacks And Artificial Shoulders

If anyone out there has artificial shoulders like me (I have reverse replacements) and has used backpacks since, let me know what you’ve found. The pilgrimage is coming together, and it appears a suitcase is not going to work for portions of it.

One option is to use a backpack in place of a suitcase. The other option I’m looking at is using a suitcase for part of the trip, but have a smaller backpack as my carry-on and for times when suitcase isn’t going to cut it. The latter would work only if I do rent a apartment/room for the trip.

The only thing the doctor who did my surgery suggested is that I should get lots of padding for the shoulders. My thoughts are that a hip belt would be a good idea to keep pressure off the shoulders.

Thoughts?

Ouch

I’m not precisely hurting, but I am not feeling great right now. I suspect I will be feeling really good tomorrow. Why?

The really good massage therapist worked me over like a rented mule today. I was seriously ready to confess I had done it and tossed the body off the train outside Shanghai, or give a fake-but-realistic code if she wanted info. Again, why?

Well, running high voltage or lightning through the body is not good for it. Before taking me on as a client, she researched what lightning did to the body, what techniques worked best, and what issues she might face. One of the big things is that it can cause the fascia (connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, etc.; think extra-cellular matrix) to harden. Which in turn is not good for strength, flexibility, mobility and other important things.

The first session she ended up working mostly on the upper body, and was surprised that the fascia wasn’t harder than it was. Today, however, she worked lower and the legs/lower back were hard. Which meant that today’s session was quite literally painful as she worked to break things up (including potential scar tissue). Thing is, I could already tell a difference (positive) before I left the center. I’m actually going back next week as we need to keep working to get things dealt with.

I’m honestly not surprised as I’ve known the legs (in particular) had issues and needed help. The right leg is in much worse shape than the left. Also, from some detective work with a therapist/physiologist, we traced the path of the lightning and know the bulk went down my right side and leg and then out the ball of the foot. Based on a number of factors, we also suspect the legs took more current than the upper body. While something very clearly hit behind my right ear, other things point to a good bit of inductance in other areas.

For now, I have some discomfort in the legs and am not feeling great, most likely because of all the nasty stuff getting released by the deep tissue work she did. So, drinking lots and lots of water to help get it out. I’ve been having a lot of leg cramps since the lightning strike, and there is some hope that this might help that situation as well. May take in some extra magnesium just to be safe.

For those that have followed the saga of the massage therapy, I’ve quit seeing the other therapist at the reflexology center. Nice lady, like her as a person, but not getting the results I need. The first time with the therapist I went back to today was amazing, and the proof is in the results. So, sorry for no “serious” post today but not sorry as well. Will be offline most of tomorrow as well, as we have a special service for the start of the Dormition Fast and I’m going to be trying to get to Costco and some other shopping afterwards (which is a pain because of the bus routes and schedules).

As always, be good, be safe, and be prepared. Keep your family and friends close, and your things where you can find them in the dark.

Change Of Plans

I had planned a different post for today, but what I thought was a trip to the dentist for a simple bridge wasn’t. Turns out, my dentist isn’t doing a simple bridge or implants, but two crowns and a bridge.

Instead of impressions and such today, we did impressions, grinding of teeth, temporary “skins” over the ground teeth, and I wouldn’t be surprised if a partridge in a pear tree wasn’t involved at some point in all the scans and such. Numbness is fading, but despite a flavorful drink while downtown there is still a bit of the taste of burnt tooth/teeth in my mouth.

Not too bad, but also not great as my first dentist was rather cruel and brutal (slapped a little girl neighbor of mine because she cried, amazed he lived), which makes me a touch skittish on dental work. My current dentist is anything but, nice lady, but still caught me very off guard. Only soft foods on one side of my mouth for about four weeks as the “skin” is not that strong. So, have some soft food and think bourbon may be the order of the day. More soon.

Friday Musings

The Ring of Fire continues to be sparky. There are likely to be hundreds, if not thousands of aftershocks from the 8.8, though many are likely to only be noticed by the seismologists. There is a lot of volcanic activity around the rim, which is not unexpected but spectacular. The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki in Indonesia featured some spectacular volcanic lightning. Given all, if you are on or near the Ring of Fire (including the San Andreas), double check your preparations as what you plan for never happens…

Here, the weather has moderated a bit and I’m glad. Makes it easier to use the bike to get around, and to get out and walk. One thing I’m keeping an eye on in regards the ring of fire are underwater volcanic eruptions, as the last big one (Hunga Tonga) did a number on the weather. I really would hate to see more water vapor added given how it did last time.

Today got consumed by paperwork and related. The state has decided to re-verify information even though I have been on disability for less than a year. So, have been jumping through hoops so I can get all the forms and printouts mailed out to them next week.

I realized I’ve talked about going to physical therapy a bit, but not about some of the core (pun intended) issues. When I was hit, most of the charge seems to have gone down the right side of my body. When I finally got to PT this year (as noted previously, original neurologist was pretty useless), gee, we discovered weakness and other issues in various parts of the right side. Who could have figured. (/sarc). There are also balance and coordination issues, vertigo, and a few other delights. PT is helping, and I’m also gearing up for what comes next.

One of the errands I ran today was to a gym I’ve been interested in. Seems my insurance includes something called Silver Sneakers. This gym is part of that network, and net result is that through Silver Sneakers my membership is covered. Which is good as I need to get serious about working out and continuing the PT after the current sessions stop. Nice thing is, I can take the bus close; ride my bike to this gym; and, get rides there as needed. Got a lot of work to do to build back from the lightning and this should be a huge help.

And to the anonymous donor who helped with the Bosu Ball: Thank You! I’m having to get a few other things for use at home, but I’m hoping soon to be able to match everything at the PT shop, even if some of it may be a bit rougher. Yes, I am improvising. I don’t care about the looks nearly as much as function. Anyone wanting to help, hit that tip jar please.

Lot of things going on in the world. Keep your eyes open, your friends and family close, and your things where you can find them in the dark. Preparedness always pays.

Quick Thoughts 24 July 25

Man, came home from PT to hear that Chuck Mangione and Hulk Hogan have passed. I played trumpet in high school, and loved what Chuck could do with a flugle horn. Hulk Hogan kept me entertained over the years. Godspeed to them both.

Unlike most on social media, I’m not a (sudden) expert on what is going on with Cambodia and Thailand. I didn’t realize things were that tense between them, and the outbreaks of fighting have caught me off guard. Not rushing into things, as I do have some biases from things that happened decades ago. Right now, just praying for peace.

The death of Irina Podnosova, head of the Russian Supreme Court has raised an eyebrow. Not the death itself, as it appears she died of cancer; rather, it has hit at an interesting time for Vladimir. She was his classmate in law school, and he hand picked her for the position. Given all that is going on, from international sanctions to internal threats, it creates a void where he counted on a solid bulwark.

I have to agree with CDR Salamander (again), that those who are trying to extrapolate future warfare from the limited and somewhat isolated specifics of Russia-Ukraine have gotten the future of air power wrong, as shown by what happened in Iran. Allow me to tap my sign again: drones are important but the driver is data and the C&C it allows. You want to win the next real war, figure out the next step beyond drones that is allowed by data. I’m starting to get some ideas, and will just note that he who controls the data controls the field.

If you missed it, Ukraine did a major attack on Russian logistics and production on the night of the 23rd. Logistics have been the weak link for Russia from the very beginning, and hitting the various parts hard is going to further complicate offensive efforts. Hitting refineries and manufacturing centers is also going to make life difficult for Russia. Russia has been frantic to obtain (and is obtaining) US and European manufacturing systems and components despite sanctions and such (we’ve talked about this before here, and the companies quite willing to flout the laws to make the sales). Add in severe manpower shortages in both logistics and manufacturing, and this will have some serious long-term effects. It may not do much short-term, but it will have an impact. More so than Russia’s countervalue attacks on civilian population centers.

Glad to see some in England standing up to the state on matters of immigration and crime. I don’t think it’s going to do much good, but it shows there is some English blood left in the system. The problem is the same for them as for Germany, Spain, and other European countries. In a fairly short time, they will be outbred and/or overrun via continuing immigration legal and illegal (pushed by the EU). I think Eastern Europe has a shot at avoiding it; France may avoid it if the people deal with it as Macaroon et cie are not going to do anything; and Italy has a shot as long as Meloni and company remain in power. With the people largely disarmed, and the ballot box a joke in most of the EU, I’m not optimistic. Maybe more on this next week. Esp. since I think we may see unpleasantness here soon.

What is coming out about “Russian Collusion” is probably going to end up the largest political scandal in American history. It really is already, and if corporate media is forced into covering it, I think it will blow the doors off Watergate and any other scandal you care to name. Add in that Obama II/The Biden Regency just outdid the Teapot Dome scandal by selling off the strategic helium reserve on top of emptying the strategic petroleum reserve, and I’m not willing to bet there was a way to cripple the U.S. they missed. While we have a chance to recover, and to restore the Constitutional Republic, I don’t think it’s going to be easy or fun. In fact, I see a lot of ways things could go sideways and/or south. Again, more on that soon.

Don’t take your eyes off the work being done by DataRepublican and Mike Benz. The NGO nest of incestuous snakes may yet strangle us; but, they continue to unravel and shine lights. Lot of distractions being pulled to take eyes of this and other important points. Like all the winning being done by the Trump administration. They keep looking for wedges, as that and delaying actions are all they have been able to bring into play to stop reforms. To borrow a bit from Sarah Hoyt, be ye not afraid and don’t miss that Trump has gotten more accomplished in his first six months than he did in his first full term. Long ways to go, but we are off to a start.

Oh, before I forget, yes, rogue judges are a problem and Roberts isn’t about to smack them down as he should. Yet, they are laying the seeds of their own destruction as the challenges are establishing law and precedent. By the time this is over, they will have killed the current two (or more) tier system and more of Article III than I care for. Our system of government as well as our civilization is built on the rule of law and the trust and respect that it requires. These judges have killed trust, eroded respect, and pretty much tossed the rule of law. I hope things get dealt with before it goes too much further, for after a point there is no turning back and no one with a functioning brain or morals wants to see the spitting on of hands and the hoisting of the black flag on a large scale.

I will note that corporate media is continuing to commit slow-motion suicide. The more they lie, from not covering what is coming out on the fake Russian collusion scandal to biased coverage of Israel/Gaza, the more trust erodes and the more viewers turn out. Never was a fan of Colbert, but the more they push an agenda instead of simply entertaining, the more revenues and viewership continue to drop. Find good sources, follow them, and support them. Remember, the more you do that, the more the wicked witch of corporate media turns into a puddle while screaming “I’m melting, I’m melting!”

If you can, please consider hitting the tip jar. PT has revealed some interesting things, including weakness and related problems on my right side. First up is a Bosu Ball to work on balance, then I’m going to have to do some serious strengthening work to get things back and balanced. Bosu Balls I have discovered are expensive; and, I may have to join a gym to work on some of the weakness issues. I may have to do a post on what the therapist and I got into today, as we plotted where I got hit, path, and problems. As Spock would say, “Fascinating” as we were even going over centers of the brain and why certain things have been going on.

More soon, including a review of some alcoholic products kindly shipped to me (thank you!). Meantime, count your blessings and be not afraid. Just remember: be prepared, keep your friends and family close, and keep your things where you can find them in the dark.

Ooops

Sorry for the dead air, it has been interesting on a couple of fronts. Nothing bad, or at least not too bad, but they have eaten at my time.

For those who hit the tip jar recently, Thank You! I did finally get to go celebrate my Alive Day (it falls during the Apostle’s Fast) and had a good meal. I couldn’t justify the expense of a good steak place, so went for something different: Vietnamese. Hands down, Pho 21 is the best Vietnamese food I’ve had in Indy. Great service as well, and the fried pork chop was amazingly delicious. I did eat a few more carbs than normal, but it was worth it.

Physical therapy is going well. The therapist identified some weak areas/muscle groups and we are working on them. She’s also got me doing a number of things in regards balance, coordination, vertigo, etc. Much of that is simply re-programming the brain to remember how to handle certain inputs/situations. Doing two days a week there, and five days a week here at home. Takes time, but if I don’t do it and don’t push, nothing is going to change. I need it to change.

Weather makes riding the bike fun — if you find sweating badly fun. Actually rode it to physical therapy one day so the therapist could see me get on, off, and ride. Some of the balance, coordination, vertigo, etc. work is actually specific to riding the bike. The idea is get me back comfortable and in-control when riding.

Massage therapy is helping as well. I had a therapist recommended to me that has proven to be excellent. She’s more expensive than the local massage therapist, but she’s much better and got amazing results out of our first session. So much so I will be phasing out the local therapist and just going to the new therapist for now.

Music therapy has been on hold to some extent, as my voice coach has been away on vacation. That should start back up again soon. I really enjoy singing, and it’s nice to be getting to the point that I’m happy with how it sounds. Still can’t look at notes and tell you what they are, but I can sing them. It does help to have the starting note, I admit, but slowly getting where I do a decent job without a “guide.”

More soon.